Tigre suffers but advances to Copa Sudamericana last 16

Tigre endured 80 minutes of suffering before Santiago López's goal secured their passage to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. Despite losing 2-1 to Nacional, Tigre advanced on aggregate after their commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg.

The relief was palpable after the match. López, who scored his first goal for the club, celebrated by removing his shirt. Coach Diego Dabove made the sign of the cross, indicating the pressure he was under, while players like Jalil Elías and Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez embraced, with Martínez showing visible emotion.

Nacional, needing to overcome a three-goal deficit, pushed Tigre back into their own half. A free-kick from captain Maxi Gómez signaled their intent. Despite facing injuries and suspensions, Nacional's coach Jorge Bava adjusted the lineup, but an error from Martínez allowed Gómez to score for the Uruguayan side, briefly igniting their hopes.

Nacional applied suffocating pressure, disrupting Tigre's rhythm and causing doubts. Tigre struggled to find cohesion, particularly missing the attacking threat of José David Romero, who is set to be sold. The team's offensive void was evident, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Romero and Ignacio "Nacho" Russo.

Nacional continued to press, with Rogel's header being cleared off the line by Russo. Even a hydration break offered little respite for Tigre. The match underscored Nacional's intensity and superiority in certain moments, though it wasn't enough to overturn the significant first-leg disadvantage. Tigre will now face Montevideo City Torque in the next round.